History of Vermilion County, Illinois : a tale of its evolution, settlement, and progress for nearly a century, Volume II, Part 58

Author: Jones, Lottie E. 4n
Publication date: 1911
Publisher: Chicago : Pioneer Pub. Co.
Number of Pages: 940

USA > Illinois > Vermilion County > History of Vermilion County, Illinois : a tale of its evolution, settlement, and progress for nearly a century, Volume II > Part 58

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Mr. Rice was a member of the Baptist church and of the Grand Army of the Republic and from the time of reaching his majority he was a supporter of the democratic party. As will readily be seen, he was a man of decided views, fearless and self-reliant, and a worthy representative of a family that has left its impress on American life.

GEORGE R. DEATRICH.

In the death of George R. Deatrich, Hoopeston lost one of its most valued, progressive and honored residents. He was long a newspaper publisher and writer and never handled superficially the vital questions and interests of the day but studied earnestly into those problems which are of grave import, his intelligent discussion thereof constituting a matter of wide interest and of strongly felt influence. He was born in Strawtown, Indiana, December 26, 1858, a son of Adam and Catherine (Feasante) Deatrich, both of whom were of Ger- man descent and on coming to the middle west settled in Noblesville, Indiana, in the early '50s.

George R. Deatrich was educated in the public schools of Cicero, Indiana, pursuing his studies to the age of fifteen years, after which he was apprenticed to the printer's trade in Noblesville, Indiana, applying himself closely to the mastery of the business. Following the completion of his apprenticeship he worked as a journeyman for sixteen years. He came to Hoopeston in 1882 and secured a position as foreman of the Chronicle office, in which capacity he served for eight years ; but laudable ambition prompted him to engage in business on his own account and he at length began the publication of the Herald, in which he continued to the time of his death. He made it a strong, enterprising and inter- esting journal, his editorial writings eliciting wide attention and awakening deep and earnest thought because of his intelligent discussion of vital themes. He also published a volume entitled "The Poorest is Heir to the Best" and other messages which were an intelligent exposition of questions which have long en- gaged the attention of the thinking men of the age.

In Hoopeston, on the 8th of February, 1883, Mr. Deatrich was married to Miss Jennie M. Barnes, a daughter of Alexander and Elizabeth Jane (Nutt) Barnes. Mrs. Deatrich was born in White county, Indiana, on the 2d of March, 1865, and her great-great-grandfather in the paternal line was an officer of the Revolutionary war. By her marriage she became the mother of two children: Natalie E., who was born in Hoopeston, November 22, 1889; and Owen Geiger, who was born September 16, 1884, and died in 1889.

Since the death of Mr. Deatrich his widow and daughter have continued the publication of the Herald, successfully managing the paper and keeping it up to the high stanndard to which Mr. Deatrich had raised it. They were to- tally inexperienced in this line of work when they took charge but their abilities proved adequate to the demands made upon them. Mrs. Deatrich is managing the paper editorially and taking care of the office interests, while the daughter acts as reporter and attends to outside business. They employ a number of com-

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petent printers and other efficient help and the Herald therefore remains as hitherto one of the leading papers of this section of the state.

In his political views Mr. Deatrich was an earnest republican but never a poli- tician in the sense of office seeking. The only position he ever filled was that of steward in the hospital at Kankakee, to which he was appointed by Governor Yates, filling the office for eight years beginning in May, 1896. He was for many years a member of the Modern Woodmen camp and was a prominent and active member of the Commercial Club of Hoopeston. His influence was always on the side of progress and improvement and it was found that at all times his business activities balanced up with truth and justice.

ANDREW H. KIMBROUGH, M. D.

There are always some men in every locality whom the citizens of the com- munity regard with veneration and honor because of a life that exemplifies all that is commendable, kindly, charitable and of high principle. Such was the position which Dr. Andrew H. Kimbrough occupied in Vermilion county. His life was beautiful in its simplicity, in its freedom from ostentation, in its help- ful spirit. At the same time he was a man of strong purpose, of keen discrimi- nation and of marked strength of character. His record, therefore, deserves a prominent place upon the pages of history in this section of the state. He was born in Hardin county, Kentucky, February 27, 1823, and came of a family estab- lished in America during colonial days. He was a relative of General Ethan Allen, who commanded the Vermont troops at Ticonderoga and other important battles of the Revolutionary war until his "Green mountain boys" won enduring fame.

Richard Calvin Kimbrough, the father of Dr. Kimbrough, was born in North Carolina and his patriotic loyalty to his country was manifested in active service in the war of 1812. He was wounded at the battle of Horseshoe Bend, his arm being almost entirely severed by the Indians. He likewise participated in the engagement at New Orleans. It was while the second war with England was in progress that the Kimbrough family removed to Kentucky, establishing their home in Hardin county near the birthplace of Abraham Lincoln. In that locality resided the family of Colonel Morrison, an uncle of Dr. Kimbrough. Richard C. Kimbrough was united in marriage in Hardin county to Miss Jane Morrison. By trade a tanner, he turned his attention to agricultural pursuits when in the Blue Grass state, cultivating for some time a farm of one hundred and sixty acres which he purchased. At a later date, however, he removed to Stratton township, Edgar county, Illinois, where he lived until his death, which occurred in 1833. His life was in harmony with his professions as a member of the Christian church, in which he served as a minister, and he gave evidence of his attitude upon political questions in his support of the democratic party. His wife long survived him and passed away on the Ist of June, 1876. In their family were nine children, all of whom have now passed away. The family experienced all of the hardships and privations of pioneer life and not only did

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Richard C. Kimbrough defend the interests of his country in the war of 1812 but also participated in the Black Hawk and other Indian wars.

Dr. Andrew Hansford Kimbrough was but three years of age when his parents took up their abode upon a farm in Stratton township, Edgar county, Illinois. The state had been admitted to the Union only a few years before and was practically an unimproved wilderness, in which the Indians were far more numerous than the white settlers. Log cabins were the homes of the early pioneers and log pens sheltered the domestic animals, protecting them from the depredations of wild animals at night. Pioneer life in the woods was not the luxury that country life is today. When going to call on a neighbor miles away the shot gun and sharp knife were always carried and they were also taken to the fields and even to religious services which were always held in some set- tler's cabin. No one could tell at what time on the path through the woods dangerous animals and poisonous reptiles might be encountered. Schools, too, were of a primitive character and the sessions were held only in the winter months when it was impossible to do work out of doors. The remainder of the year was devoted to clearing land, chopping wood and building fences. Instruc- tion was given in reading, writing and arithmetic, and the older pupils had les- sons in geography.

Amid such surroundings Dr. Kimbrough spent the days of his boyhood and after reaching man's estate engaged in teaching school for a time during the winter months, while the summer seasons were devoted to the work of the farm. Not being content with the life of the agriculturist, however, he removed to Paris, Illinois, with his little family, then consisting of a wife and three children. Determining to make the practice of medicine his life work, he began studying in the office and under the direction of Dr. John Tenbrook, and afterward spent two winters as a student of the Jefferson Medical College of Philadelphia, Penn- sylvania, from which institution he was graduated with the class of 1858-9. The same year he located for practice in Georgetown, Illinois, and soon had all that he could do. His practice was large and extended over a large territory and in making his visits he traveled through a country in which dense forests, few roads, high rail fences and log cabins were the principal features. No tiling drained the land and the mud was deep and sticky until the summer sun dried it out. Getting lost day and night in strange woods, coming to swollen streams across which there were no bridges, making his way to the opposite bank in a skiff, going without sleep and meals-such was the Doctor's daily life for fifteen years. Realizing at length that his duties were too arduous for one of his age, and feeling that it was unwise thus to ride horseback over the prairies, he re- moved to Danville in 1873 and in this city continued the practice of his pro- fession for nearly thirty years, or until 1901, when age and health compelled him to retire. He was remarkably successful in his work and took great interest in it, often saying: "It is the grandest calling a man can follow; a physician finds out as no other man can all the troubles of his patients, mental and spiritual as well as physical, and can give relief." He always kept in touch with the ad- vancement of the profession and his care of the sick and administration of reme- dial agencies were followed by excellent results. He became the loved family physician in many households in Danville, many families retaining his service

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until he was no longer in practice. He held membership with the Vermilion County Medical Society, the State Medical Society and the American Medical Association, and he was one of the charter members of the first named.

It was on the 14th of March, 1847, in Marshall, Clark county, Illinois, that Dr. Kimbrough was united in marriage to Miss Sarah Ashmore, who was born in that county, April 10, 1820, and was a daughter of Amos Ashmore, a native of Greenville, Tennessee. Her mother, who in her maidenhood was Patience McGuire, was born in Marion, Pennsylvania, where she was also married. Mr. 'Ashmore was the first white child born in Greenville and lived in an old cabin there. His father entered eleven hundred acres of land on Duck river in Ken- tucky, but lost it throught war claims. 'A' contemporary biographer has said in this connection: "The great-grandfather of Mrs. Kimbrough was a professor in the University of Edinburg, in London and a church and street of that city were named in his honor. Her grandfather was born in London to which place his parents had removed from Scotland. Her grandfather McGuire was born on the ocean when his parents were crossing the Atlantic to America. He was a strong Catholic and fled from the Emerald isle during the period of the perse- cution of the Irish people. Both the paternal and the maternal grandfather of Mrs. Kimbrough served in the Revolutionary war under Washington. Her father was an own cousin of Sam Houston, the liberator of Texas, and was said to resemble him greatly in personal appearance. A farmer by occupa- tion, he also engaged in taking contracts for the construction of public roads. For a time he resided near Newman, Tennessee, but before the birth of his daughter he .removed to a place five miles from Terre Haute, Indiana, thence going to Clark county, Illinois. Later he became a resident of Georgetown, Vermilion county, and died in Elwood township in 1863, at the age of eighty- one years. His wife had passed away in 1861. In his political faith he was a Jackson democrat and in religious belief was a Presbyterian. Mrs. Ashmore had four brothers who were Presbyterian ministers. One of these, Rev. Stephen Balch, was chaplain of the first congress that convened after the election of George Washington to the presidency of the United States. At his death his re- mains were interred in the Congressional cemetery at Washington. Mrs. Ashmore is also a distant relative of General Wayne and it is said personally resembled him. Mr. Ashmore in the paternal line was a lineal descendant of Rev. With- erspoon, a Presbyterian minister and one of the signers of the Declaration of Independence. Mrs. Kimbrough now recounts many events of the Revolutionary war which she heard from her own people, and if written would make a very interesting volume. She says that the Indians were very numerous in this state during her early girlhood, and she was personally acquainted with a number of noted chiefs, including Killbuck who traded with the whites. She came to Ver- milion county in 1858 and from that time forward has been a resident of this portion of the state. She was one of a family of ten children, three sons and seven daughters, but only one of the number is now living: Margaret, who is the widow of Rev. Isaac Bennett and resides in St. Louis, Missouri.

Unto Dr. and Mrs. Kimbrough were born two daughters and a son, Laura, Eugene R. E. and Ardilla. The son was representative from this district in the state legislature in 1878 and 1879, and for one term was mayor of Danville.

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In his boyhood days he declared that he was going to have three diplomas; he won the first from Bryant & Stratton Business College of Chicago; the second from the state university in 1873; and the third upon his admission to the bar. He was one of the leading oratorical contestants in the state university. For fifty-six years Dr. and Mrs. Kimbrough traveled life's journey together and on the 16th of March, 1897, celebrated their golden wedding anniversary, which. occasion was made a memorable one by the reception tendered them at their beautiful home by relatives and friends who gave substantial evidence of their esteem and regard in the presentation of magnificent and beautiful gifts. Throughout the period of their residence here Dr. and Mrs. Kimbrough occupied a prominent social position. They held membership in the Presbyterian church, at Paris, Illinois, the Doctor being identified therewith for fifty years.

His political allegiance was given to the democracy and at all times he stood as a progressive citizen, deeply interested in local progress and the national wel- fare, and cooperated in every measure for the public good. He endeared him- self greatly to all with whom he came into contact, whether in professional or social relations. He was a man of broad humanitarian principles, kindly in spirit, charitable in disposition, generous in action, and when he passed away, September 17, 1903, when almost eighty-one years of age, the sorrow expressed throughout the entire community was most genuine. He had been a resident of Illinois for more than the Psalmist's allotted span of life-three score years and ten-and throughout that period his life had been actuated by the most honorable principles, so that his example remains as one worthy of emulation by all while his memory is both an inspiration and a benediction to those who knew him.

GILBERT E. MYERS.

Gilbert E. Myers, one of Danville's enterprising citizens, now engaged in the feed and grain business at Nos. 626-628 North Vermilion street, is a native of Illinois, born in Pana, October 7, 1871. On the paternal side his ancestors were from Germany, but the family was founded in the new world at an early day, settling first in Virgina. Later representatives moved to Ohio and from that state to Illinois. It was in Ohio that our subject's father, Asa E. Myers, was born and for many years he was successfully engaged in business as a grocery merchant, but is now living retired in Danville, where he has made his home since 1882. His wife, who bore the maiden name of Carrie M. Murry, was born in Pennsylvania and is of Irish descent. They have become the parents of three children, who are still living, namely: Grace, now the wife of Homer Blair, a real-estate dealer of Danville; Arthur L., now a sailor on the great lakes; and Gilbert E., of this review.

Being only eleven years of age on the removal of the family to Danville, Gilbert E. Myers obtained the greater part of his education in the public schools of this city, where he continued his studies until the age of sixteen. For a pe- riod of nine years he was employed in various mercantile establishments here and for six years was with the firm of King & McCuster in the grocery and

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commission business. For five years he then engaged in farming, but in 1902 he established his present business as a dealer in feed and grain at his present location. In this venture he met with success and his business now amounts to about fourteen thousand dollars annually.

On the 2d of May, 1893, Mr. Myers was united in marriage to Miss Lida J. Learnard, a daughter of Lester and Hannah Learnard, representatives of a very old and prominent family of Danville. This union has been blessed by three children: Ruth, born in Danville, June 7, 1894; Clarence, January 23, 1898; and Stanley, born September 30, 1900.

Mr. and Mrs. Myers are both earnest and consistent members of the Metho- dist Episcopal church and he is also connected with the Modern Woodmen of America. The republican party finds in him a stanch supporter of its principles, but he has never taken a very active part in politics as his business interests have claimed his entire time and attention.

JOHN E. HART.

It is a recognized fact today that the farming lands of Illinois are among the most valuable and productive regions in the entire country, and the farmer whose property lies within this rich district may consider himself fortunate. This number includes John E. Hart, who, aside from his own farm of eighty acres, is operating two hundred and ninety acres of the family estate, in which connection he is obtaining most substantial results.

He was born on the farm which is yet his home on the 19th of October, 1867, a son of Michael and Rosa (Kelly) Hart, natives of Belfast and Con- naught, Ireland, respectively. There they were reared, and the father came to 'America in early manhood, landing at New Orleans with but a half crown (equivalent to about fifty cents of American money) in his pocket. He was ambitious and industrious, however, and immediately sought employment whereby he might provide for his own livelihood. He worked his way on a boat up the Mississippi to the Ohio river, and on up the latter stream to Cin- cinnati, where he entered the employ of a Mr. Sullivan, the owner of a large sawmill. At the end of one month he drew ten dollars of his salary, which he sent to his mother in Ireland, together with the half crown which had consti- tuted his entire wealth upon his arrival in this country. Later he went to Columbus, Ohio, with Mr. Sullivan, where he remained for three years, after which Mr. Sullivan went to Champaign county, Illinois, about 1852, and pur- chased one hundred thousand acres of land in the locality of Broadlands.

Michael Hart came west with his employer, with whom he severed his con- nections, however, upon arriving in Illinois. He stopped in Vermilion county and was here engaged by the month as a farm hand by Harvey Sandusky, with whom he remained for about eight years, after which he was employed in simi- lar capacity by Amos Donovan for two years. He was then united in marriage to Miss Kelly, who had come to America as a young lady, remaining in Con- necticut for a time ere making her way to Vermilion county. After his mar-

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riage Mr. Hart located upon a farm of forty acres, which he had previously purchased, and there took np agricultural pursuits on his own account. His place soon showed the results of his well directed efforts and close application, and as he prospered he was able to add to his original purchase from time to time, until he became the owner of a splendid property of six hundred and sixty acres. He also had large stock interests, raising a goodly number of cat- tle, but he made a specialty of hogs, in which line he was particularly success- ful. This formed an important part of his business interests and aided very materially in the accumulation of the fortune which came to him as a direct and logical result of his ambition and determination. He was democratic in his political belief and became a man of large influence in Vermilion county. His fellowmen, recognizing his worth and ability, would have honored him with important public office, but although he served as a member of the school board and other like offices he was not a politician in the sense of office-seeking, preferring rather to concentrate his energies upon the conduct of his exten- sive private interests. He and his wife were both members of the Catholic church, in the faith of which Mr. Hart passed away on the 9th of October, 1905. His widow still survives and makes her home on a portion of the large estate left by her husband.

Fortunate in having his lines cast amid the wholesome scenes and in the healthful atmosphere of rural life, John E. Hart grew to manhood surrounded by the busy activities of the farm, and in the meantime became familiar with those tasks which usually fall to the lot of the country lad. His mental train- ing was acquired in the common schools near his home, which he attended during the winter months. The father, having firm belief in the truth of the old maxim that "In union there is strength," had instituted what might be termed a cooperative system, and the sons, on attaining manhood, all remained on the old homestead, sharing alike in the work of the farm and in the profits accruing therefrom. Thus the interests of one proved the interests of all, and whatever lands were purchased became the property of the family. At the time of the father's demise each of the sons received a deed for eighty acres of land, the mother retaining a life interest in the estate. The remainder of the property was equally divided and John E. Hart and his brother James each have two hundred and ninety acres to operate in connection with their own farms of eighty acres. He gives his entire time and attention to the cultiva- tion of this property, and under his wise direction and careful management has made of his home place one of the finest improved properties in Jamaica township. He has made a thorough study of agriculture in its various branches, cultivates those cereals best adapted to soil and climate and employs the most modern and up-to-date machinery, and his industry and energy have found substantial reward in a most gratifying degree of prosperity.

It was on the 17th of December, 1890, that Mr. Hart was united in mar- riage to Miss Maggie O'Connell, of Vermilion county, and they have become the parents of four children, Michael Roy, Daniel Edward, Rosa Alice, and John Eldon, all yet at home. The family are communicants of the Catholic church, while politically Mr. Hart gives his support to the democracy, believing that its principles are best adapted to conserve the welfare of the country. For

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the past ten years he has served as clerk of the school board, the cause of edu- cation finding in him a stanch champion, and in fact all measures which have for their object the permanent upbuilding and development of the community find in him a strong advocate. Industry and progress seem to be the salient features in his career and have been potent elements in the acquirement of a success which, however, speaks not only in terms of material gain but in the regard and high esteem of his fellowmen.

WILLIAM CONNOR.

William Connor is filling the position of plumbing inspector for Vermilion county, in which connection he is discharging his duties with commendable promptness and fidelity. He was born in Danville, January 13, 1875, a son of William and Kathryn (Sweeney) Connor. The father came from County Cork, Ireland, to the new world when about twenty years of age. He had acquired his education in the schools of his native land and on seeking a home in the United States made his way to New York and thence came direct to Danville. He was a cooper by trade and the success which he achieved along business lines came to him as the logical result of his own labors and perseverance. As the years passed he was numbered among the well known and highly re- spected citizens of Vermilion county. His public-spirited devotion to the gen- eral good was manifest in many ways and his cooperation could always be counted upon to further any project that promised to be a factor in the public welfare. He died on the 7th of January, 1884, and his remains were interred in St. Patrick's cemetery.

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History of Vermilion County, Illinois : a tale of its evolution, settlement, and progress for nearly a century, Volume II, Part 58

Author: Jones, Lottie E. 4n Publication date: 1911 Publisher: Chicago : Pioneer Pub. Co. Number of Pages: 940

Author: Jones, Lottie E. 4n
Publication date: 1911
Publisher: Chicago : Pioneer Pub. Co.
Number of Pages: 940